William P. Wands

William Paul Wands passed away peacefully on April 25, 2017, at home in after a long illness. He was the son of Lloyd Edward Wands and Riola (Minardi) Wands. William graduated from the former Springfield Technical High School in 1969 and received an Associate�s Degree in Industrial Arts from Springfield Technical Community College in 1971. Bill served in the 104th Division of the Army National Guard from 1971-1977 where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6. He began his career in 1972 at Eastern Etching Manufacturing Company in Chicopee, as a nameplate designer and later he worked as a salesman for the sister company Lavallee & Ide in Chicopee, where he eventually became National Sales Manager. In 1989, Bill joined American Saw and Manufacturing Company in East Longmeadow as International Export Manager. He continued to work at American Saw in Customer Service and Credits and Returns until his retirement in 2013. Bill was known for his witty remarks and funny stories and could always make people laugh. Bill could fix almost anything, and everyone in the family turned to him for their numerous household repairs. His favorite hobby was cooking and, when asked to share his recipes, he would often reply, �I�m not at liberty to say!� He recently took up fly fishing as his newest hobby with his long-time friend Fred Walters. William leaves his loving wife of 42 years, Joyce (Geller) Wands; his beloved son Scott and his wife Kristen of Wethersfield, CT; his beloved daughter Elizabeth (Wands) Bouyea and her husband Jeffrey of West Springfield; his two treasured granddaughters Annie Rose Wands and Daphne Riola Bouyea; his devoted brother Lloyd �Skip� Wands and his wife Hedi of Fort Myers, FL; a niece, three nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews; and his loyal dog Alphie who sat by his bedside to keep him company. His family is especially appreciative of the loving care and support provided by his dedicated caregivers Kelly, Carolyn, and Marie from Baystate Visiting Nurses and Hospice. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 29 from 2-4 p.m. at Toomey-O�Brien Funeral Home on 1043 Westfield Street in West Springfield, MA. Funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA or to the D�Amour Center for Cancer Care, 3350 Main Street, Springfield, MA.